Sorafenib in Treating Patients With Recurrent or Progressive Malignant Glioma

This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of sorafenib in treating patients with recurrent or progressive malignant glioma. Sorafenib may stop the growth of tumor cells by stopping blood flow to the tumor and by blocking the enzymes necessary for their growth.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of BAY 43-9006 when administered to adults with recurrent malignant glioma, receiving (Group A) or not receiving (Group B) anticonvulsants known to be metabolized by the P450 hepatic enzyme complex. II. To assess and estimate the dose-related toxicities. III. To describe the pharmacokinetics of this route of administration, measuring BAY 43-9006, and to assess the pharmacokinetic difference between patients taking enzyme-inducing agents and those who are not. IV. To estimate overall survival. OUTLINE: This is a dose-escalation, multicenter study. Patients are stratified according to the concurrent use of cytochrome P450-inducing anticonvulsants (yes vs no). Patients receive oral sorafenib twice daily on days 1-28 (once daily on day 1 of course 1 only). Courses repeat every 28 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Cohorts of 3-6 patients per stratum receive escalating doses of sorafenib until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is determined. The MTD is defined as the dose preceding that at which 2 of 3 or 3 of 6 patients experience dose-limiting toxicity. Patients are followed every 2 months.